Yorkville close to reaching settlement on resident’s lawsuit over 1,037 acre data center

A lawsuit filed by Yorkville resident John Bryan against the city to halt the 1,037-acre Project Cardinal data center is progressing towards a settlement, with attorneys reporting “substantial progress” during a March 20th hearing. Bryan’s lawsuit alleges the data center, planned to include 14 warehouses constructed over a decade, will negatively impact property values and quality of life. While specific details of the potential settlement remain undisclosed, the City Council’s approval is required for the final agreement. The city has already approved the necessary annexation, rezoning, and utility agreements for the data center.

Currently, Yorkville has designated 3,016 acres for data center development along the ComEd transmission station line, encompassing a dozen projects in various stages of development. Residents have voiced concerns about noise pollution and its impact on their neighborhoods, with some expressing a desire to relocate. City officials have stated that data centers will be required to adhere to the city’s noise ordinance, and a sound pollution study was commissioned, though it did not cover the construction period.

The property deal for Project Cardinal is expected to close this fall, pending full power allocation from ComEd. City officials envision the Eldamain Corridor becoming a significant data center hub, with plans for 3,000 acres of former agricultural land dedicated to such development, including projects like the 502-acre Project Steel.

(Source：Shaw Local)